MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index

NHTSA // SAFETY RECORD

2021 Audi A5

Recall and complaint safety record from NHTSA. This configuration has not been crash-tested.

5Recalls
7Complaints
0Investigations
ABOUT THE AUDI A5

The Audi A5 is a premium European coupe and sportback that competes in the luxury compact segment, targeting buyers who prioritize style, refinement, and driving engagement over pure practicality. Offered in both two-door coupe and five-door Sportback configurations, it sits above the A4 sedan in Audi's lineup and draws shoppers who want a more expressive, driver-focused alternative to mainstream luxury crossovers.

VERDICT

The 2021 Audi A5 has not been crash-tested by NHTSA, so it carries no Safety Index. Its safety record here is built from 5 recalls and 7 owner complaints on file, giving it a light recall and complaint burden.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • shoppers who want the full federal safety picture in one place
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers generally regard the Audi A5 as one of the more polished and visually distinctive entries in the luxury compact segment, praising its interior quality, composed ride, and strong engine options. Most consider it a rewarding choice for buyers who value aesthetics and driving character, though some note that rivals offer more interior space or a more engaging driving experience at comparable price points.

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION22V742000

Risk: A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the infotainment unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DZ.

Reported 2022-10-05

TIRES22V034000

Risk: Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L5.

Reported 2022-01-26

SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR21V606000

Risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69CR (VW) and 69CS (Audi).

Reported 2021-08-05

SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY21V295000

Risk: A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L1.

Reported 2021-04-26

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS20V737000

Risk: Without the scuff protection, the wires may become damaged during a rear crash, disabling the doors from being opened from the outside, causing a loss of hazard lights, and increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will apply scuff protection, free of charge. The recall began January 21, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 97EU.

Reported 2020-11-25

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

7 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

0reported crash
0reported fire
0reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsUnknown Or Other 2Electrical System 2Power Train 1Air Bags 1Seats 1Forward Collision Avoidance 1

Other A5 years

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings, recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Audi A5 2021. Methodology · Disclosure